Ex-cop wounded in drug bust

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – A former police officer was wounded during a shootout with his former colleagues in an anti-drug operation in Santiago City, Isabela Monday.

Zaldy Apelado has been under surveillance for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, said Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel, Cagayan police director.

Apelado, a former member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, was discharged from service for being absent without leave.

Laurel said Apelado yielded 13 plastic sachets allegedly containing shabu.

The suspect reportedly tried to flee and engaged police officers in a shootout.